Home

  /  

India

  /  

Trending

  /  

What Is Pakhala, Odisha’s Gut-Friendly Superfood With A Guinness World Record?

This year, Pakhala Parba was celebrated on a much bigger scale in Odisha. Odisha Tourism aimed to set a Guinness World Record by preparing Pakhala in a huge quantity. The event turned into a proud and special moment for the state.

by Priyanshi Shah
What Is Pakhala, Odisha’s Gut-Friendly Superfood With A Guinness World Record?

Food in Odisha is always something special. It not only tastes good but also benefits the body, which is exactly what people look for nowadays. One such dish is Pakhala. To promote this traditional fermented rice dish, Odisha celebrates Pakhala Parba on March 20. But this year was a bit different. Odisha Tourism decided to set a Guinness World Record by cooking over a thousand kilograms of Pakhala. Here’s all you need to know!

What Is Pakhala And How Does It Benefits?

You must have heard about Pakhana. It is a traditional dish from Odisha. This dish is prepared with rice soaked in water and left to ferment overnight. It is then mixed with yoghurt and lightly seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chillies. People usually enjoy it with sides like mashed potatoes or fried fish. Known for its light, tangy taste, Pakhala is especially popular during summer for its cooling effect.

This dish also has some amazing health benefits. The fermented water, called torani, is rich in probiotics that help digestion and keep the gut healthy. It also hydrates the body and prevent heatstroke. Along with that, it gives instant energy and contains nutrients that support immunity, making it a simple yet powerful summer meal. It’s a must-try!

Also Read: Anand Mahindra Reveals THIS Secret Waterfall In Odisha; Heres Why Its Special!

Pakhala Guinesses World Record In Odisha

This year, during Pakhala Parba, Odisha Tourism decided to prepare a huge quantity of Pakhala to aim for a Guinness World Record. At the event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida were also present. As per NDTV, to create this record, teams used around 850 kg of cooked rice and mixed it with 25 kg of fresh curd. They added chillies, mango ginger, curry leaves, coriander, and lemons for the flavour. After careful fermentation, the dish developed its mouthwatering, tangy and refreshing taste. Total, 1,177 kg of Pakhala was cooked.

The presentation was also on a top level. The entire dish was spread across a large 2,500 square feet area. It was arranged in a circular, radial pattern inspired by the wheel design of the Konark Sun Temple. Most importantly, the organisers made sure that no food would go to waste. With support from the Robin Hood Army, the prepared Pakhala will be distributed among underprivileged communities.

What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!

Also Read: Odisha To Get 111-Km Ring Road From Rameshwar To Tangi, Cutting Travel Time For Lord Jagannath Devotees

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@MohanMOdisha

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: March 22, 2026 11:44 AM

FAQs

What is Pakhala?

Pakhala is a fermented rice dish made with yoghurt, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chillies, perfect for summer season.

What are the benefits of Pakhala?

Pakhala helps keep the gut healthy, hydrates the body, and provides instant energy.

How Pakhala Parba was celebrated in Odisha this year?

On the occasion of Pakhala Parba, Odisha Tourism aimed for a world record with total 1,177 kg of Pakhala.